The Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE) has developed a numerical coding system for engine oils based on their viscosity at different temperatures. Due to the change of viscosity of oil with temperature, the oil label shows the code like 5W-30 SAE.
There are two numbers as the first digits of the standard code for the viscosity of oil at the lowest temperature and W indicates that it is winter or cold. The next digits after dashes depict the viscosity of the oil when the engine is running.
Engine oil is selected according to the location where it is going to be used. Since temperatures vary from country to country, different oils are used. You should always consult your engine manufacturer’s guide to determine what oil standard they recommend.
The oil is chosen so that it can provide maximum efficiency at high and low temperatures.
5W-30
At lower temperatures, this oil has a SAE viscosity grade of 5 and at 100 degrees, it has a SAE viscosity grade of 30.
10W-30
The oil has a viscosity grade of 10 SAE at lower temperatures and 30 SAE at 100 degrees.
5W30 VS 10W30
The viscosities of both oils are the same at 100 degrees, while 5W30 is thinner at low temperatures and 10W30 becomes thicker at the same low temperatures. Therefore, you should not use 10W30 if the temperature outside has dropped below freezing.
Can I use 5W30 instead of 10W30 in my generator?
5W30 is superior to 10W30 because it has a similar viscosity at higher temperatures and is thinner at lower temperatures. You can definitely use the 5W30 instead of the 10W30.
Can I use 10W30 instead of 5W30 in my generator?
The viscosity of both oils is the same at high temperature, while at low temperature, 10w30 is thicker and 5w30 is thinner. You can use 10W30 if the outside temperature does not drop below freezing. It is not recommended to use 10W30 instead of 5W30 if you live in an area where the temperature drops below freezing point.
Which oil is better?
At higher temperatures, 5W30 and 10W30 have the same viscosity, while at low temperatures, 5W30 is thinner than 10W30. Oil with a low viscosity is better for engines as it can easily flow to all parts. You can use 5w30 instead of 10W30, but not always 10W30 instead of 5W30. Therefore, 5w30 is superior to 10W30. On the other hand, the 5W30 is more expensive.
Final Thoughts
Our previous post discussed 5w30 engine oil and 10w30 engine oil in detail. Though the 5w30 is more expensive than the 10w30, it has superior characteristics. It is possible to replace 10W30 with 5W30; it is not always possible to replace 5W30 with 10W30.
